What does a tympanic thermometer measure?

A tympanic thermometer measures body temperature through infrared heat detected from the eardrum. This method is effective because the eardrum shares blood supply with the hypothalamus, which is responsible for regulating body temperature. The infrared technology allows the thermometer to quickly and accurately gauge the core temperature based on the thermal radiation emitted from the tympanic membrane.

Other options reflect different physiological measurements that do not pertain to the function of a tympanic thermometer. For instance, heart rate is typically determined through pulse palpation or heart monitoring devices, while respiratory rate is measured by observing breaths or using related monitoring techniques. Oxygen saturation is assessed using a pulse oximeter that measures the level of oxygen in the blood, typically through the fingertip or earlobe. Each of these functions provides important health information but operates on completely different principles than those used by a tympanic thermometer.